Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dear Parishioners,
January is Respect Life Month. There is a candle burning by the Blessed Virgin Mary statue with a rose next to it throughout the month. This candle reminds us that we must be ever vigilant in protecting all human life. The rose reminds us of how fragile life is. All human life is to be protected from the fetus in the womb to the elderly person drawing their last breath. We can’t say that some lives are sacred, and others are not.
One thing that we notice is that there will be no pro-life march in Washington this year. Part of the reason is the COVID-19 pandemic. The mishandling of the response to COVID-19 and the loss of almost 400,000 lives should give us pause. Another reason is because of the riot that took place at the capital on January 6th. The rioters have created a situation where it is unsafe for people to come to Washington and peacefully protest. It may be a long time before we can go and lobby our congressional representatives in person for any reason.
Peaceful protest is a democratic right. Violent protest is an aberration. Jesus is our model of what it means to be prolife. Jesus was non-violent. He asked us all to be peacemakers. He ended his life as convicted criminal who was put to death. Prolife issues touch many parts of life not just one. Let’s pray that more people will come to recognize this.
May Our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Blessings
Fr. Mark